WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- President Bush reportedly could nominate a third person to the U.S. Supreme Court by Thursday, an appointment that is almost sure to garner criticism.
President Bush's first nominee, John Roberts, has been confirmed as chief justice of the United States.
Harriet Miers, nominated to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, withdrew her nomination after just 23 days.
The New York Times reports Bush has an oversees trip planned for late next week and is expected to nominate a third candidate before he leaves.
The chairman of the conservative Free Congress Foundation, Paul Weyrich, said his side is "up for a fight" and a coalition of conservative support for Bush would be threatened if he presents another nominee like Miers.
White House counsel Miers was forced to withdraw after conservative opposition grew fierce because she had no record on key issues.
Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, and the top Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, sent a letter Friday to Bush warning of a filibuster if he nominates anyone that is too far right.
